Free Online OFF to STL Converter

An OFF file, short for Object File Format, is a plain-text file used to represent the geometry of a three-dimensional object. It serves as a simple and widely-used format to store the spatial information of a 3D model. The OFF file format is not restricted to any specific software or application, making it highly versatile for exchanging geometric data among various 3D modeling and visualization tools.

Typically, an OFF file begins with a header line containing the keyword "OFF" and the number of vertices, faces, and edges in the model. The subsequent lines list the coordinates of each vertex, specifying their 3D positions in space. After that, the faces of the object are defined, where each face references a set of vertex indices that form a polygonal face. The simplicity of the OFF format makes it easy to parse and manipulate, which has contributed to its popularity in computational geometry and computer graphics research.

Despite its ease of use, the OFF file format does have some limitations. Notably, it does not support material properties, color information, or texture mapping, focusing solely on geometric representation. Additionally, it does not include any information about the topology or connectivity of the object. Nevertheless, due to its straightforward structure and widespread acceptance, the OFF file format remains a fundamental and valuable tool for sharing 3D model data across different applications and platforms.

OFF Converter Capabilities

When converting 3D Model/Mesh files using our OFF converter we will attempt to convert color materials into a suitable format for use in the converted file.

An STL file, short for Stereolithography, is a widely used file format in 3D printing and computer-aided design (CAD) applications. It serves as a standard method to represent the surface geometry of a three-dimensional object. The format was first developed by 3D Systems in 1987 and has since become a fundamental file type in the additive manufacturing industry. STL files are essential in the process of converting digital 3D models into physical objects through 3D printing technology.

STL files consist of a collection of triangular facets that approximate the shape of the 3D model. The surface of the object is divided into numerous small triangles, forming a mesh representation. Each triangle is defined by three vertices in 3D space and possesses information about its orientation and size. Since STL files store only the outer surface of the model, they are often referred to as "mesh" files or "surface" files, as they lack information about the object's internal structure or color.

When using STL files for 3D printing, slicing software processes the 3D model by dividing it into layers and creating the instructions for the 3D printer to build the object layer by layer. Despite its simplicity and widespread usage, STL files have some limitations. They do not support color or texture information, and the triangle-based representation can lead to larger file sizes and reduced accuracy compared to other file formats. Nonetheless, STL remains a vital format in the 3D printing ecosystem due to its simplicity and compatibility with a wide range of 3D printers and software.

STL Converter Capabilities

When converting your OFF to STL our tool will attempt to accurately convert any color/material information.